516 Receive Diplomas at DePauw's 166th Annual Commencement

May 22, 2005

May 22, 2005, Greencastle, Ind. - [Download Video: "A Lucky Group" - 1519kb] "We are lucky to be graduating from the liberal arts academy in which we have explored various fields of study, [and] hopefully chosen one of interest to pursue with more vigor," 2005 Walker Cup recipient Lindsey R. Ciochina told her fellow graduates at DePauw's 166th Commencement this afternoon. Ciochina says she and her peers have been "challenged to open our minds by professors and classmates alike. We are lucky to have attended a small university whose professors and staff members care enough about the development of thir students, who know our names and our passions, and who invite us to their homes for dinner and discussions."

Five hundred and sixteen students received diplomas in ceremonies that took place on the grounds of historic East College. Although the forecast called for a 40% chance of thunderstorms this afternoon, skies were sunny as the Class of 2005 marched in to cheers from their parents and friends.

DePauw President Robert G. Bottoms reminded the graduating class of the day in August 2001 that they arrived on campus and attended the opening convocation, where he addressed the incoming students and their parents. Four years later, Dr. Bottoms told the graduating class, [Download Video: "The President's Message" - 678kb] "We trust that through your learnings in class, your internships, your collaborations with faculty members on research projects and your off-campus study that you leave the university with more inquisitive minds than when you came." The president urged students to continue to ask questions and seek knowledge as they continue in life, and to remain active in service to their communities.

[Download Audio: "DePauw's Wish" - 135kb] "So after these four years together what is it that we wish for you," Bottoms asked. "We wish that through our mutual interactions, you're now aware of the potential that you had.

As she and her classmates prepared to embark on life after DePauw, Lindsey Ciochina offered some advice. [Download Audio: "Celebrating Differences" - 235kb] "Tolerance is not enough. My friend Jeff once told me that you tolerate a cold, or allergies or something you don't want to deal with. Instead of tolerating difference, you should celebrate it and embrace it. These differences are things that define people whether they are differences in race, in gender, in sexuality, in skin color, in political stance or religion."

In conclusion, moments before she and her classmates walked across the stage to accept their diplomas, the senior from Crown Point, Indiana, said: [Download Video: "A Final Thought" - 1361kb] "I hope you will continue on the path of intellectual development and learning throughout your lives. I hope you will find that exciting work that means something more to you than the paycheck you take home every other week. And, I hope you will carry on the example that you have learned at DePauw to do good work, and thereby leave your world in a better situation than where you found it."

The commencement address was provided by award-winning investigative journalist Eric Schlosser, author of the bestseller, Fast Food Nation. Schlosser was among five individuals -- including three alumni of DePauw -- who received honorary degrees today.

A professionally replicated DVD of today's commencement will be produced. Learn more about the disc and order copies by clicking here.